In 2005, it ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series,[1] but sales decreased after the 2008 model year.

[4] This contrasted with the more typical transverse engine mount style, and was intended to provide better weight distribution and reduce nose dive.

[4] The engine mount design resulted in an elongated hood for the first-generation TL,[4] a shorter front overhang and longer wheelbase, fitting for a near-luxury car.

[6] The first-generation Acura TL had standard features including dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control, a cassette/CD player sound system, and power windows and locks.

In 1998, Honda revealed the TL-X concept car, showing a preview of the second-generation TL which would debut in fall of that year.

It was available with a newly designed 3.2 L 225 hp (168 kW) SOHC VTEC J32 V6 mated to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission with SportShift.

The main difference between the two cars were the front grille; the Inspire and Saber were also available with a 2.5 L Honda J-series V6 exclusive to the Japanese market.

The added gear allowed for slightly better fuel economy and acceleration when compared to the previous 4-speed automatic transmission with SportShift.

The transmission would slip, fail to shift, or suddenly downshift and make the car come to a screeching halt, even at freeway speeds.

Consumer Reports took note and gave the TL and CL the "black spot," the worst rating for transmission reliability.

In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 7 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) on American models.

[citation needed] Transmissions replaced from March 2005 and later include a redesigned third gear clutch pack reported to fix the problem.

In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 109,000 miles (175,400 km) or 7.75 years for all 1999 - 2002 and 2003 partial per VIN.

Several models in the 2002–2003 years were the subject of a safety recall in July 2009 for injuries reported by faulty driver's side airbag inflators.

In March 2001 for the 2002 model year, the TL got a minor makeover, with a refreshed front fascia, redesigned taillights, a 6 CD in-dash changer as well as a few other features.

In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 109,000 miles (175,400 km) or 7.75 years for all 1999-2002 models and 2003 partial per VIN.

Because of this and the failure of Acura to offer a digital upgrade, the TL OnStar system became defunct in 2009 when US carriers were allowed to turn off analog AMPS cell tower equipment.

With the optional Alpine-designed navigation system, the third-generation TL can also accept voice commands[14] like "find nearest police station" or "go home."

The DVD navigation system features an 8-inch (200 mm) touchscreen LCD, which allows for easy viewing of the road ahead.

The Inspire is basically a seventh-generation US-market Honda Accord V6 with minor trim changes, and the addition of Variable Cylinder Management, which shuts off half of the engine when not needed to boost fuel economy.

[16][17] The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the Acura TL had the second-lowest accident fatality rate among midsize luxury cars.

In addition to the new standard auxiliary audio jack, the sound system was MP3/WMA compatible and offers Dolby Pro Logic II decoding and speed-sensitive volume compensation.

Exterior differences included quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps and front fascia, lip spoiler, wider side sills, Brembo brakes, 17-inch dark silver 10-spoke wheels, an upgraded suspension which included bigger stabilizer bars, lower front spring rates, upgraded bushings and dampers, a "black chrome" grille rather than the standard glossy grille, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl.

Debuted for the 2009 model year, the new generation of TL featured a more aggressive interpretation of Acura's latest styling vocabulary, known as "Keen Edge Dynamic.

For this manual transmission model, Acura designed a new self-adjusting dual-mass clutch system for increased holding power and improved modulation compared to the previous generation.

[26] The fourth generation Acura TL adds further electronic convenience items, now including a central multifunction display,[24] an eight-speaker 276-watt audio system with a six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, USB port connectivity (including full iPod control support), and Bluetooth Audio (for streaming music from a cell phone).

Both models offer an optional Technology Package, which includes premium Milano leather seats; Keyless Access ( unlock the doors, and start the engine without ever having to use your key, as long as it's in your pocket or purse, or within range of the vehicle.

), a joystick-based (no longer touchscreen) navigation system updated with a new 8-inch (200 mm) full VGA display and the ability to provide weather information and traffic-based rerouting, and the Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers,[24] 440 watts of power, DTS CD compatibility for 5.1 surround sound, DVD-A, as well as an internal hard drive with 13 GB of storage dedicated for audio.

The navigation system also stores its map data on the hard drive (as opposed to the previous model's DVD-based storage), producing faster boot times.

[29] It is a version of front-wheel-drive 2013 Acura TL with distinctive 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-matched deck lid spoiler, trunk-mounted Special Edition badging, Keyless Access System with Keyless Access Remote, pushbutton start, choice of 4 body colors (Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic and Silver Moon Metallic) matched with an Ebony interior leather upholstery with contrast stitching, Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter system, 10-way adjustable power driver's seat, an 8-way adjustable power front passenger's seat, power moonroof, 276-watt audio system with eight speakers, dual-zone dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control.